This fall, Sodexo, the food service provider for the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District has been busy rolling out their “next generation in high school dining” at West Allis Central High School. According to General Manager Steve Kosnar, “Our new concept, Taste4 (FRESH, FLAVOR, FRIENDS and FUN) was developed for students by students. From its name to the imagery and menus, teens were engaged in every phase of development.
“The students that are part of a focus at Central have a lot of positive comments about the changes,” explains Kosner. “Hannah C. said students love the new sauces that are offered. Josh T. said the chicken tenders are great and so is the staff. Savannah W. said the caesar salad is a welcome addition. We’re excited to be doing something new this year.”
Rolled out in 97 sites, Taste4 takes high school diners on a culinary journey with squeezable and shakable flavors and sauces inspired by Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, American Regional and Heat spices from around the world. The new meal concept revamps the classics like salads, wraps, deli sandwiches, pasta, grilled favorites and pizza – elevating the school lunch for today’s sophisticated palates.
“We believe fresh food and flavorful options are essential to the school lunch experience,” adds Kosnar. “Our Sodexo Chefs created a USDA compliant menu that includes world flavors, spicy comfort foods and unique, fun food combinations.”
Each week, along with traditional school lunch favorites such as homemade pizza, grill favorites, and a build to order Sub Sandwich station with fresh made breads, a Taste4 Adventure Station allows students to experience new food choices. The offerings alternate between:

Beale Street BBQ: Memphis style BBQ favorites.

Overslept: Breakfast at lunch.

Sub Culture: Specialty hot sub sandwiches made to order.

Country Comfort: Homestyle favorites just like mom makes.

TaterTemptations: Build your own stuffed potato.

Chopsticks: Asian favorites with trendy new sauces.

Glorious Grilled Cheese: New combinations of the grilled cheese sandwich.

Fiesta: Build to order salsa bar.

Sunset Strips: Chicken tenders with crazy new dipping sauces.

Canal Street Mac Attack: Varieties of Mac’n Cheese.

“We continue to meet with our focus group and the general feedback has been great,” says Kosnar, “We are planning to install Taste4 at West Allis Nathan Hale High School over the holiday break. Our students work hard in school. We want them to eat well and feel good about their meals.”